We all have at least one friend that just adores cooking. They're constantly around the kitchen trying out new recipes or improving their old ones. They're the ones that don't buy takeout and will always cook for you. You know when their birthday comes that their gift has to be something kitchen related. There are so many practical gifts you can give them to make their time in the kitchen much easier.
Cutting Board
A cutting board is a kitchen item that deserves more appreciation. It may seem small and insignificant but it’s something that makes kitchen life much easier. If your friend is a cooking enthusiast, this little piece of equipment will be a great present for their birthday. There's a big variety of cutting mats you can choose from. There's something for everyone’s budget and needs.
The first thing you should keep an eye on is quality. You don’t want to invest in a board that will easily get damaged or cracked after several cuts. It also shouldn’t crack or warp when it comes in contact with water. A high-quality board will not damage or dull the blade as well. Make sure it’s thick and spacious so your friend has a lot of space to work with.
There are 2 types of grains, edge and end grain. End grains allow you to cut with the wood fibres. They're easy to clean and very durable but can expand after a while. Edge grains will get damaged by knife cuts but can successfully withstand water and juice. They won’t expand or warp. Choosing the right type of wood is very important. It can make a big difference.
Maple is one of the best choices because it looks attractive and it’s very strong. A walnut is also a good option. It's also very durable but has a darker aesthetic, which some people find more attractive. Teak is durable and easy to clean and maintain and very popular nowadays. Avoid bamboo for a board. It'll dull the knives fast.
There are boards with special features, and they all have their pros and cons. Boards with rubber feet give you stability but don’t allow you to use both sides. Some boards have liquid-catching grooves. This is great for roasted meat or some juicy vegetables. But it might get problematic when your friend needs to chop an onion. Avoid foldable boards. They'll break or fall apart very soon. Invest a few more dollars and get your friend a nice, durable board they’ll use for a long time.
Apron
A kitchen apron is a must-have for every kitchen enthusiast. Its main purpose is to protect the cook from splashes, stains and burns, but it also provides some space for keeping a few handy tools by their side. Aprons come in many styles and materials. Natural fabrics are a better choice because synthetic ones are often highly flammable and can cause a mess.
Cotton is easy to clean and maintain, linen is lightweight and suitable for every season, hemp is strong, durable and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear and cotton blends are thin, lightweight and often stronger than regular cotton. Make sure you get an apron with a good fit. Otherwise, your friend may get in accidents with their cutting mats, knives or flames.
Adjustable aprons are the safest option. They come in one size but are adjustable on all straps so they can fit anyone. If you can, get an apron with a cross-back design because it allows for more flexibility. If you want to make the gift even better, get your friend a custom-made apron. Add their favourite quote, print a funny image or embroider their name at the top. This will make them feel like a professional chef.
Knives
Every household should have a good set of knives in the kitchen. They'll make the food prep process much easier and less time-consuming. This is a long-term investment so don’t try to save a couple of dollars and buy a cheaper set. Each knife in the set has its specific purpose. The bread knife is for cutting bread because of its serrated edges.
A chef’s knife is one of the most commonly used knives in the kitchen. Make sure the handle is comfortable and not too heavy. Your friend can chop and dice meat, fruit, vegetables and herbs on the cutting board with it. There's also the paring knife used for berries, cheese or citrus, the utility knife for soft meats and veggies and the boning knife used to debone meat.
Stainless steel is one of the most common knife materials. It's durable, rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant as well. Ceramic knives are also a thing. They're very lightweight and strong. Many chefs consider them to be cleaner than stainless steel, but ceramic knives can chip easily. Titanium knives are tough and rust-resistant. They're resilient and will last for many years to come. And Damascus steel knives are heavy, resilient and long-lasting.
Spice Basket
Every cook needs some seasoning in their life. They use spices and herbs to enhance the flavour of their favourite dishes and get the best taste possible. If you want to get your friend a practical gift, a spice basket would be the perfect choice. First, you’ll need to get a nice basket or some other container you have in mind. You decide on the size. Second, pick a nice towel or decorative paper to line the basket.
Next, get some jars with lids and labels. You can print the labels or write them on cardstock and glue the labels on the jar. Grab some twine, ribbon or string as a decorative element. You can buy the spices from the store or make some at home. There are hundreds of homemade spice recipes you can make with ease. You can make buttermilk ranch seasoning, spicy taco seasoning, smoky BBQ seasoning and much more.
Label the seasonings and tie the strings or the ribbons on the jar. Pick their favourite colour or a special theme they really like. If this doesn’t feel enough, you can throw a few towels inside, some oil and vinegar, a few wooden spoons or some sauces. Pick their favourites and this will be a gift they’ll never forget.
Cookbook
There isn’t such thing as the best cookbook in the world. They're all special and hold dear recipes people love to do over and over again. There are a few Australian classics of course, such as the Margaret Fulton cookbook or the Gretta Anna recipes. Depending on your friend’s personal preferences and what they like to cook the most, you can choose something more modern, something classic or a mix of both.
If they like baking cakes, you can buy them the Mix & Bake by Belinda Jeffery. If they're a fan of Chinese cuisine, get them the Simple Chinese Cooking by Kylie Kwong. There are great Middle Eastern recipes in the Falafel for Breakfast by Michael Rantissi and Kristy Frawley. Or if they’re into seafood and love preparing it, buy them the Australian Fish and Seafood Cookbook by John Susman.
